September 23, 2008

Buying Carbon Offsets for my Trip To Kona

I'm headed to Kona this weekend to compete in the upcoming Ironman World Championships. As much as I'd love to drive the Green Athlete bio-diesal van....this is obviously not an option. So instead I'm going to buy carbon offsets from TerraPass which is a great organization helping to make a difference. Its really easy to do and makes me feel better about my upcoming trip. You can learn more about TerraPass and buy your own carbon offsets at their web site.

What is a carbon offset?

A carbon offset is a certificate representing the reduction of one metric ton (2,205 lbs) of carbon dioxide emissions, the principal cause of global warming. Although complex in practice, carbon offsets are fairly simple in theory. If you develop a project that reduces carbon dioxide emissions, every ton of emissions reduced results in the creation of one carbon offset. Project developers can then sell these offsets to finance their projects.

There are hundreds of different types of carbon reduction projects. For example, a wind farm generates clean energy, which reduces carbon emissions from coal-burning power plants. In order to finance its operations, a wind farm can sell these reductions in the form of carbon offsets.

Comments

Erik Blachford, here CEO of Terrapass and Ironman Canada finisher back in 2003 (not, um, in Leito type time). Thanks so much for taking the environment as seriously as you take your racing. Best of luck in Kona! Erik